Michael Rose-Ivey (photo/NU Athletics)
Nebraska senior linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey says he has received a lot of backlash, especially on social media, after his protest during the national anthem on Saturday. Following the lead of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Rose-Ivey along with redshirt freshmen DaiShon Neal and Mohamed Berry took a knee during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the Huskers’ 24-13 win at Northwestern.
“As we looked at what has been going in this country and the injustice that has been taking place, primarily against people of color, we all realized there is a systematic problem in America that needs to be addressed”, said Rose-Ivey as he delivered a prepared statement. “We felt was our duty to step up and join the chorus of athletes using their platforms to highlight these issues but what we did not expect was the enormous amount of hateful, racially motivated comments we received from friends, peers, fans, members of the media and others about the method of protest.”
Nebraska coach Mike Riley says Rose-Ivey approached him about his plans the night before the game.
“He asked if he could speak to the team about it which he did at the walk through on the day of the game”, said Riley. “He very eloquently expressed his position and why he was going to do that so I thought it was very well done.”
Rose-Ivey will get his chance to talk with Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. Ricketts has agreed to meet next week with Rose-Ivey, one of the Nebraska football players he criticized for kneeling during the national anthem at the Cornhuskers’ most recent game.
Story–Nebraska Radio Network Sports
